KRE vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. KRE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KRE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.18% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.65% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.38% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.88% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KRE vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KRE returned +32.65% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, KRE is up 18.18% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, KRE compounded at +19.38% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.88% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -71.2% for KRE and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KRE charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KRE currently yields 2.14% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KRE and VYM share 67 holdings out of 651 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KRE or VYM?
KRE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KRE or VYM?
Over the past year KRE returned +32.65% vs +26.12% for VYM, so KRE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KRE annualized +3.05% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KRE or VYM?
KRE has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KRE -71.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KRE and VYM?
KRE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KRE and VYM?
KRE and VYM share 67 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KRE or VYM?
KRE yields 2.14% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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